Derotation instrument with reduction functionality

ABSTRACT

Instruments and methods are provided for manipulating a bone anchor and a spinal fixation element. The instruments and methods disclosed herein are particularly suited to facilitate rotation of a bone anchor relative to another bone to correct the angular rotation of the vertebrae attached to the bone anchor. The instrument does not require the spinal fixation element to be inserted into the bone anchor prior to manipulation. The instrument further may be used in the insertion of the spinal fixation element into the bone anchor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 12/075,412, filedMar. 10, 2008. This application is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

BACKGROUND

In spinal deformity surgical procedures, the curvature of the spine(e.g., the coronal curvature of the spine and/or the sagittal curvatureof the spine) can be corrected by the implantation of a construct ofbone anchors and spinal fixation elements. Examples of bone anchors usedin such a construct include hooks and bone screws. An example of spinalfixation elements used in such a construct is a rod

During one type of spinal surgery, a surgeon first exposes the posteriorspine and attaches bone anchors to selected vertebrae of the spine. Thesurgeon then inserts a spinal fixation element into receiving portionsof the bone anchors to connect the selected vertebrae, thereby fixingthe relative positions of the vertebrae.

Generally, a controlled mechanical force is required to bring togetherthe spinal fixation element and a bone anchor in a convenient manner.This procedure is typically referred to as “reduction.” To complete areduction, a surgeon must insert a locking mechanism, such as a setscrew, into the vertebral anchor to lock the spinal rod to the implantbefore the force for inserting the rod can be removed.

In addition to correcting the curvature of the spine, the angularrotation of one or more vertebrae relative to other vertebrae may alsobe corrected. Conventional surgical procedures for correcting theangular rotation of a vertebra involve rotating the spinal fixationelement, for example, a spinal rod, connected to the vertebra by a boneanchor. In the case of constructs that include a spinal rod, thisprocedure is typically referred to as “vertebral rod derotation.”Vertebral body derotation can place significant stress on the interfacebetween the bone anchors connected to the rotated spinal rod and thevertebra in which each bone anchor is implanted. This stress can cause afailure of one or more of the bone anchors or harm to the vertebra.Accordingly, there is a need for improved instruments and methods formanipulating a vertebra.

Conventional derotation instruments are designed to be used afterreduction has been performed and the spinal fixation element has beensecured to the bone anchor. However, the bone anchors often bind on thefixation element during the rotation, preventing the motion or requiringsignificant force to obtain it. Thus, in some instances it may bebeneficial to perform derotation before reduction. In addition,reduction and derotation require different instruments. Thus, oneinstrument must be removed to allow the other to be used.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are instruments and methods for manipulating a boneanchor and a spinal fixation element. The instruments and methodsdisclosed herein are particularly suited to facilitate rotation of abone anchor relative to another bone to correct the angular rotation ofthe vertebrae attached to the bone anchor. The instrument does notrequire the spinal fixation element to be inserted into the bone anchorprior to manipulation. The instrument further may be used in theinsertion of the spinal fixation element into the bone anchor in areduction.

In accordance with one example embodiment, an instrument formanipulating a vertebra may comprise a shaft having a proximal end, adistal end and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distalend; one or more fingers disposed at the distal end of the shaftdefining a slot, an outer sleeve disposed about the shaft and configuredto slide over the distal end of the shaft, and a reduction element. Theouter sleeve slides between a first position and a second position. Whenthe outer sleeve is in the first position, the one or more fingers areunconstrained by the outer sleeve allowing the one or more fingers toreceive the spinal fixation element in the slot and engage the spinalfixation element receiving member. When the outer sleeve is in thesecond position, the one or more fingers are constrained by the outersleeve securing the spinal fixation element in the slot and theengagement of the spinal fixation element receiving member of the boneanchor by the one or more fingers to permit manipulation of the spinalfixation element and bone anchor by the instrument. The reductionelement is configured to pass through the lumen of the shaft and engagethe offset spinal fixation element to reduce the offset spinal fixationelement into the spinal fixation element receiving member of the boneanchor.

In accordance with another example embodiment, a system for manipulatingone or more vertebra may comprise a first instrument as described above,a second instrument as described above, and a connector connecting thefirst instrument and the second instrument. The connector, in theexample embodiment, may include a first receiving element for receivingthe first instrument and a second receiving element for receiving thesecond instrument. The first receiving element may be adjustablerelative to the second receiving element.

In accordance with another example embodiment, a method of manipulatinga bone anchor and spinal fixation element comprises connecting a boneanchor to a vertebra, positioning a spinal fixation element in proximityto a receiving member of the bone anchor; connecting an instrument asdescribed above; and manipulating the first instrument to rotate firstbone anchor and the spinal fixation element. The spinal fixation elementmay also be reduced into the bone anchor using the reduction element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

These and other features and advantages of the instruments and methodsdisclosed herein will be more fully understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description in conjunction with the attached drawingsin which like reference numerals refer to like elements through thedifferent views. The drawings illustrate principles of the instrumentsand methods disclosed herein and, although not to scale, show relativedimensions.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of an instrumentfor manipulating a vertebral body, illustrating the instrument engaginga bone anchor;

FIG. 2A is a top elevation view of the shaft of the instrument of FIG.1, illustrating the shaft separate from the other elements of theinstrument;

FIG. 2B is a side elevational view in cross section of shaft theinstrument of FIG. 1, illustrating the shaft separate from the otherelements of the instrument;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the engagement mechanism of theinstrument of FIG. 1, illustrating the engagement mechanism separatefrom the other elements of the instrument;

FIG. 4A is a top elevation view of the sleeve of the instrument of FIG.1, illustrating the sleeve separate from the other elements of theinstrument;

FIG. 4B is a side elevational view in cross section of sleeve theinstrument of FIG. 1, illustrating the sleeve separate from the otherelements of the instrument;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 1, illustratingthe sleeve in a first position;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 1, illustratingthe sleeve in a second position;

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 1, illustratingthe sleeve in a third position;

FIG. 6A is a side elevational view in cross section of the distal end ofthe instrument of FIGS. 1-5B showing the interaction of the instrumentwith a bone anchor and an insertion instrument;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the distal end of an installationinstrument of FIG. 6A showing the interaction of the instrument withlocking mechanism;

FIG. 7A is a side elevational view in of the instrument of FIGS. 1-5Bshowing the interaction of the instrument with a bone anchor and aninsertion instrument;

FIG. 7B is a side elevational view in cross section of the instrument ofFIGS. 1-5B showing the interaction of the instrument with a bone anchorand an insertion instrument;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a connector for connecting twoinstruments, such as the instrument of FIG. 1, illustrating theconnector in an open position;

FIG. 9 is a partial cut away side view of the connector of FIG. 8,illustrating the connector in an open position;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 8, illustratingthe connector in the closed position and connecting two instruments suchas the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 8, illustratingthe connector in the closed position and connecting two instruments suchas the instrument of FIG. 1 wherein the connector can accommodateinstruments in a number of different positions;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a first instrument connected to a firstbone anchor engaged to a first vertebra and a second instrumentconnected to a second bone anchor engaged to a second vertebra,illustrating a method of adjusting the first vertebra relative to thesecond vertebra;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views of a connector connecting a firstinstrument to a second instrument, illustrating a method of adjusting afirst and third vertebra relative to a second vertebra;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a connector connecting a firstinstrument to a second instrument wherein the first and secondinstruments are attached laterally to the same vertebra, illustrating amethod of the vertebra; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of multiple connectors being used toconnect multiple instruments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain example embodiments will now be described to provide an overallunderstanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture,and use of the instruments and methods disclosed herein. One or moreexamples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that theinstruments and methods specifically described herein and illustrated inthe accompanying drawings are non-limiting example embodiments and thatthe scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. Thefeatures illustrated or described in connection with one exampleembodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included within thescope of the present invention.

The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to morethan one (i.e. to at least one) of the grammatical object of thearticle. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more thanone element.

The terms “comprise,” “include,” and “have,” and the derivativesthereof, are used herein interchangeably as comprehensive, open-endedterms. For example, use of “comprising,” “including,” or “having” meansthat whatever element is comprised, had, or included, is not the onlyelement encompassed by the subject of the clause that contains the verb.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of an instrument formanipulating a bone anchor and, in turn, a vertebral body to which thebone anchor is attached. The example instrument 10 includes a shaft 12,an anchor engagement mechanism 14, an outer sleeve 16 disposed about theshaft 12, and a reduction element 18. The example instrument 10 may beemployed to manipulate a bone anchor 19 and spinal fixation element 20for implantation or adjustment. The example instrument 10 may also beused to engage a bone anchor 19 implanted in a vertebra and maneuver thebone anchor 19 and the vertebra by manipulating the instrument 10. Forexample, the example instrument 10 may be employed to rotate the boneanchor 19, and the vertebra relative to other vertebrae and therebycorrect the angular orientation of the vertebra. The instrument 10, whenemployed in the example manner, thus may be used to effect segmentalcorrection of the angular orientation of the vertebrae of the spine aswell as reduce the spinal fixation element 20 into the bone anchor 19using the reduction element 18.

The example instrument 10 may be constructed of any biocompatiblematerial including, for example, metals, such as stainless steel ortitanium, polymers, ceramics, or composites thereof. The length anddiameter of the instrument 10 may vary depending on the area of thespine being treated (e.g., lumbar, thoracic, or cervical) and theapproach (e.g., posterior, anterior, or lateral). For example, thelength of the instrument 10 may be selected to at least span from a skinincision to proximate a vertebra. The diameter of the instrument 10 maybe selected to facilitate positioning of the instrument 10 through anopen incision or a minimally invasive incision. In certain exampleembodiments, for example, the diameter of the instrument may be selectedto facilitate delivery of the instrument 10 through a minimally invasiveaccess device such as a cannula or expandable retractor.

For purposes of illustration, each of the elements of the exampleinstrument 10 will be discussed independently and in conjunction withthe other elements.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the shaft 12 separate from the rest of theexample instrument 10. The shaft 12 of the example instrument 10 mayhave a distal end 22, a proximal end 24, and a lumen 26 extendingbetween the proximal end 24 and the distal end 22. In the exampleembodiment, the shaft 12 is generally tubular in shape having anapproximately circular cross section. One skilled in the art willappreciate that the shaft 12 may have other cross sectional shapesincluding elliptical or rectilinear. The lumen 26 of the shaft 12 issized to receive reduction element 18, reduction element. In otherembodiments, the reduction element 18 or a portion of the reductionelement may be removed and other instruments, such as a screwdriver orthe like, may be passed through the shaft 12.

In certain embodiments, the shaft 12 may further include surfaceconfigurations configured to mate with the reduction element 18 toassist in the interoperation of the shaft with the reduction element 18.For example, the lumen 26 of the shaft 12 may include threads 30 fordirecting the insertion of the reduction element 18 thru the lumen 26.The proximal end 24 of the shaft may also have connection elements 32for connecting the instrument 10 to a connecter. The connector may beused to connect multiple instruments. The interoperation of the shaftwith other elements will be discussed in more detail below.

At the distal end 22 of the shaft 12 is the engagement mechanism 14. Theengagement mechanism 14 is configured to engage a bone anchor 19, suchas, for example, a hook, a monoaxial bone screw, or a polyaxial bonescrew, and thereby connect the instrument 10 to the bone anchor 19 in amanner sufficient to permit manipulation of the bone anchor and thevertebra in which the bone anchor is implanted. The engagement mechanism14 also serves to capture a spinal fixation element 20 such as a spinalrod that may or may not be inserted into the bone anchor 19. In theexample embodiment, the anchor engagement mechanism 14 is one or morefingers 34A and 34B at the distal end 22 of the shaft 12 which define aslot 36 disposed between the fingers 34A and 34B

A magnified depiction of fingers 34A and 34B can be seen in FIG. 3. Incertain example embodiments, fingers 34A and 34B may be flexible andresilient in the radial direction to facilitate connection to a boneanchor. For example, the fingers 34A and 34B may be flexed apart in theradial direction from a first, relaxed position to facilitateadvancement of the fingers longitudinally over a portion of the boneanchor 19. Once positioned about a portion of the bone anchor 19, thefingers 34A and 34B may provide a radially compressive force on the boneanchor as the fingers 34A and 34B attempt to return to the first,relaxed position.

In the illustrated example embodiment, each finger 34A and 34B mayinclude one or more radially inward facing projections 38A, 38B that aresized and shaped to seat within an opening provided in a portion of thebone anchor 19 to facilitate retention of the bone anchor 19 by thefingers 34A and 34B. The size, shape and number of projections can bevaried depending on, for example, the opening(s) provided on the boneanchor and type of connection desired. Further examples of how theanchor engagement mechanism 14 interacts with a bone anchor 19 will bediscussed below.

The slot 36 separates fingers 34A and 34B. The slot 36 is configured toreceive a spinal fixation element 20 that may be offset from the boneanchor 19. The example instrument 10 allows for the manipulation of thebone anchor 19 without requiring the spinal fixation element 20 to beinserted into the bone anchor 19. The slot 36 may be of significant sizeto allow the spinal fixation element 20 to be offset from spinalfixation element receiving member 40 of the bone anchor 19 while stillallowing the fingers 34A and 34B to engage and retain the bone anchor19. In certain embodiments, the slot 36 may extend approximately 20 mmfrom the distal end 22 of the shaft 12.

In certain embodiments, the engagement mechanism 14 may further serve tocapture or otherwise retain the spinal fixation element 20 in proximityto the bone anchor 19 while the bone anchor is manipulated. The fingers34A and 34B may also be used to guide the spinal fixation element 20into the receiving member 40 of the bone anchor 19 during reduction.

While the example embodiment of the engagement mechanism 14 discussedherein has featured two fingers 34A and 34B, it should be understoodthat the present invention may also be implemented with only one fingeror other finger configurations without departing from the scope orspirit of the invention. Other implementations and configuration will beapparent to one skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrates the outer sleeve 16 separate from the restof the example instrument 10. The outer sleeve 16 of the exampleinstrument 10 is disposed about the shaft 12 and may have a distal end42, a proximal end 44, and a lumen 46 extending between the proximal end44 and the distal end 42. The outer sleeve 16 and the shaft 12 may havecomplementary shapes to facilitate positioning of the outer sleeve 16over the inner shaft 12. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, theouter sleeve is generally tubular in shape. The longitudinal axis of theouter sleeve 16 is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the elongateshaft 12. The shaft 12 may be disposed within the lumen 46 of the outersleeve 16 allowing the outer sleeve 16 to be movable relative to theshaft 12. For example, the outer sleeve 16 may be movable along thelongitudinal axis of the shaft 12. In certain embodiments, the sleeve 16and shaft 12 may have interlocking surface configuration 50A and 50Bthat maintain the orientation of the sleeve 16 on the shaft 12 as thesleeve 16 is moved along the shaft 12. For example, the surfaceconfiguration 50A on the sleeve 16 may be a tab and the surfaceconfiguration 50B may be a groove that receives the tab. In otherembodiments, the sleeve 16 may include a locking feature that allows auser to lock the sleeve 16 in position along the shaft 12.

In the example embodiment, the sleeve 16 further includes a slot 48corresponding to the slot 36 of the engagement mechanism 14. The slot48, like the slot 36, is configured to receive a spinal fixation element20 (See FIG. 1) that may be offset from the receiving member 40 of thebone anchor 19 that allows the bone anchor 19 to be engaged withoutrequiring the spinal fixation element 20 to be inserted in the receivingmember 40 of the bone anchor 19.

The outer sleeve 16 is slidable along the distal end 22 of the shaft 12to interact with the engagement mechanism 14. Examples of this can beseen in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The outer sleeve 16 may be movable relative tothe shaft 12 between a first, proximal position in which the fingers 34Aand 34B of the engagement mechanism 14 are unconstrained and advancedbeyond a distal end 42 of the outer sleeve 16, and a second, proximalposition in which a substantial portion of the fingers 34A and 34B aredisposed within and constrained by the sleeve 16. The fingers 34A and34B, when the sleeve 16 is in the first position, may be configured toencapsulate and capture the bone anchor 19 and spinal fixation element20 therebetween as seen In FIG. 5A. In the example embodiment, forexample, fingers 34A and 34B may move apart from one another when thesleeve 16 is moved to the first position to facilitate positioning ofthe receiving member 40 of the bone anchor 19, between the fingers 34Aand 34B.

When the sleeve 16 is moved in the direction of arrow 52 (FIG. 5B) tothe second, distal position, fingers 34A and 34B may maintain capture ofthe bone anchor 19 to further retain the bone anchor 19 and spinalfixation element 20 between the fingers 34A and 34B as seen in FIG. 5B.The fingers 34A and 34B may be constrained and inhibited from separatingby the outer sleeve 16 when in the second, distal position. As such, theinteraction of the sleeve 16 and the engagement mechanism 14 act as acollet to retain the bone anchor 19. In the example embodiment, forexample, the bone anchor 19 is retained between the fingers 34A and 34Bin a manner sufficient to permit maneuvering of the spinal fixationdevice 20, bone anchor 19, and a vertebra in which the bone anchor 19 isimplanted by manipulation of the instrument. For example, the spinalfixation device 20, bone anchor 19, and vertebra may be rotated, movedalong the axis of the instrument 10, and/or moved in a directionperpendicular to the axis to the instrument 10 by the instrument 10.

In certain embodiments, the sleeve 16 may be further moved to a thirddistal position as seen In FIG. 5C. When the sleeve 16 is moved to thethird position, the sleeve 16 may engage the spinal fixation element 20received in slot 48 and serve to push the spinal fixation element 20into the receiving member 40 of the bone anchor 19. Thus, the sleeve 16may be used in the reduction, or partial reduction of the spinalfixation element 20.

While the sleeve 16 has been described as uniform piece, it should beunderstood that the sleeve 16 may be made of multiple parts withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, thesleeve 16 may have one part used to constrain the fingers 34A and 34Band another part used to reduce the spinal fixation element 20. Otherimplementations and configuration will be apparent to one skilled in theart given the benefit of this disclosure.

In some embodiments, the reduction element 18 is used to effectreduction of the spinal fixation element 20 into the receiving member 40of the bone anchor 19. FIG. 6A depicts a cross sectional view of thedistal end of the example instrument 10 which the reduction element 18being used for reduction of the spinal fixation element 20. In thisexample, the finger 34A and 34B of the engagement mechanism 14 haveengaged and captured the bone anchor 19. Protrusions 38A and 38B haveengaged receiving member 40 of the bone anchor 19. The sleeve 18 hasalso been moved to the second distal position constraining fingers 34Aand 34B to secure the bone anchor 19. The reduction element 18 passesthrough the lumen 26 of the shaft 12 such that the distal end 60 of theinstrument 18 engages and pushes the spinal fixation element 20 into thereceiving member 40 of the bone anchor 19. In certain embodiment thereduction element 18 may have threads configured to engage threads 30 inthe lumen 26 of the shaft 12 (See FIG. 2B). Thus, by rotating thereduction element 18, the threads 30 serve to advance the reductionelement 18 to effect reduction.

The reduction element 18 may also be provided with a centering mechanism62 that makes sure the reduction element 18 is centered in the lumen 26of the shaft 12. In the example of FIG. 6A, the centering mechanism 62is a housing. In this example, the housing 62 also includes a springbiasing mechanism 64 that engages a set of threads 66 when the distalend 60 of the instrument meets the spinal fixation element 20.

In certain embodiments, the reduction element 18 may also be used toinsert a locking element 68, such as a set screw, to secure the spinalfixation element 20 after reduction. An example of this can be seen inFIG. 6B. Here the set screw 69 is place on the distal end 60 of thereduction element 18, which serves to reduce the spinal fixation element20 as well at insert the set screw 68. The spring biasing mechanism 64may provide some play between the threads 70 of the set screw 68 and thethreads of the reduction element 18 in instances where the threading ofthe reduction element 18 and the threading of the set screw 68 are notsynchronized with the thread of the receiving member 40.

In other embodiments, the reduction element 18 may include multipleparts. For example, one part may be used for reduction, while anotherpart is used for inserting the set screw 68. An example of this can beseen in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

FIG. 7A is a side view of one embodiment of a reduction instrument 18having two separate portions. FIG. 7B is a cross sectional view of thereduction element 18 in FIG. 7A. In this embodiment, the reductionelement 18 includes a first portion for reduction and a second portionfor inserting the set screw 68. The first portion includes a shaft 72having a distal end 74, a proximal end 76, and lumen extending from theproximal end 76 to the distal end 74. The first portion further includesa handle 78 as the proximal end 76 of the shaft 72. The second portionalso includes a shaft 80 having a distal end 82 and a proximal end 84.The shaft 80 of the second portion passes through the lumen of the shaft72 of the first portion. The second portion also includes a handle 86 atthe proximal end 84 of the shaft 80. Because the shaft 80 of the secondportion passes through the shaft 72 of the first portion, each portionof the reduction element 18 can be operated independently of the otherportion. Thus, to effect reduction, a user may use the handle 78 of thefirst portion to advance shaft 72 through the lumen 26 of the shaft 12of the example instrument 10 to engage the spinal fixation element 20Likewise, to insert the set screw 68, the user may use handle 86 toadvance the shaft 80 of the second portion to insert a set screw 68 onthe distal end 82 of shaft 80 into the receiving portion 40 of the boneanchor 19.

The ability to capture and retain a bone anchor 19 by the instrument 10provides the ability to manipulate bone anchor 19 for adjustment.Accordingly, another example use of the instrument 10 is forde-rotation.

As previously discussed, the example instrument 10 may include aconnection element 32 configured to engage a connector, such as theexample connector 100 described below, for connecting the instrument 10to another instrument, for example, another instrument for manipulatinga vertebra. In the illustrated example embodiment, for example the shaft14 includes a connection element 32 positioned at the proximal end 24 ofthe shaft 14. The connection element 32 may be configured to permitpolyaxial motion of the instrument 10 relative to the connector. Forexample, the connection element 32 of the example embodiment may be atleast partially spherical in shape to engage a complementary shapedreceiving element of the connector. Other possible geometries andconfigurations will be apparent to one skilled in the art given thebenefit of this disclosure.

FIGS. 8-11 illustrate one example embodiment of a connector 100 forconnecting two or more instruments and facilitating cooperative movementof the instruments. The example connector 100 is particularly suited toconnecting one or more instruments for manipulating a vertebra, such asthe instrument 10 described above. One skilled in the art willappreciate; however, the connector 100 may be used to connect any typeof spinal or surgical instruments.

It should also be understood that the example connector 100 is but onepossible example of any number of possible configurations. Otherpossible embodiments, implementations, and configurations of connectors,receiving elements, and latch mechanisms will be apparent to one skilledin the art given the benefit of this disclosure.

The example connector 100 may include a plurality of receiving elements102A and 102B, each of which connects to an instrument. Any number ofthe receiving elements 102A and 102B may be provided. In the illustratedexample embodiment, the connector 100 includes a first adjustablereceiving element 102A for receiving a first instrument and a secondreceiving element 102B for receiving a second instrument. The firstreceiving element 102A and/or the second receiving element 102B may beadjustable relative to one another to facilitate connection to twospaced apart instruments. For example, in the illustrated exampleembodiment, the first receiving element 102A is adjustable relative tothe second receiving element 102B and the connector 100 and the secondreceiving element 102B is fixed relative to the connector 100.

The example connector 100 may include a first arm 104 pivotablyconnected to second arm 106 at a pivot point defined by a hinge pin 108.The example connector 100 may be movable between an open position inwhich the first end 110 of the first arm 104 is separated from the firstend 112 of the second arm 106, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, and aclosed position in which the first end 110 of the first arm 104 iscoupled to the first end 112 of the second arm 106, as illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9. The open position facilitates connection of theinstruments to the receiving elements and adjustment of an adjustablereceiving element, such as receiving element 102A. The example connector100 may include a latch mechanism 114 for selective coupling the firstend 110 of the first arm 104 to the first end 112 of the second arm 106.In the example embodiment, the latch mechanism 114 may include hook 120positioned on the first arm 104 that may selectively engage a hookretaining element 122 positioned on the second arm 106. Acylindrically-shaped push button 126 is connected to the hook 122.Movement of the push button in a direction toward the hinge 108 causesthe hook 120 to disengage from the hook retaining element 122 and, thus,releases the first arm 104 from the second arm 106. A spring 127 biasesthe push button 126 in a direction away from the hinge 108 and, thus,biases the hook 120 into an engagement position. The outer surface 128of the hook 120 may be curved or angled to provide a camming surfacethat, when engaged by the bottom surface of the hook retaining element122, causes the hook 120 to move from the engagement position toward thehinge 108, thus, allowing the hook 120 to engage the hook retainingelement 122.

The first arm 104 and/or second arm 106 may include a retaining memberfor retaining the adjustable receiving elements 102 on the arms when theconnector is in the open position. For example, the second arm 106 ofthe example connector 200 includes a retaining pin 125 for retaining thefirst receiving element 102A on the second arm 106. The retaining pin125 may be adjusted along its axis between an extended position in whichthe pin 125 impedes motion of the receiving element along the arm 106and retracted position that facilitates removal and placement of thereceiving element 102 on the arm 106. A spring 127 may be provided tobias the pin 125 to the extended position.

The first receiving element 102A, in the example embodiment, includes aslot 132 for receiving the second arm 106 and permitting motion of thefirst receiving element 102A relative to the second arm 106 and otherreceiving elements, such as the second receiving element 102B. In theexample embodiment, the first arm 104 includes a plurality of teeth 130for engaging a plurality of teeth on one or more of the receivingelements, for example, the first receiving element 102A, when theconnector 100 is in the closed position. The engagement of the teeth 130with teeth provided on an adjustable receiving element, for example, theadjustable receiving element 102A, may inhibit motion of the adjustablereceiving element, thereby fixing the adjustable receiving element inposition relative to the first arm 104, the second arm 106, and theother receiving elements.

The first receiving element 102A is generally C-shaped having an opening134 to facilitate positioning of an instrument within the receivingelement 102A. The first arm 104 may be positioned across the opening 134when the connector is in the closed position to retain the instrument inthe first receiving element 102A. The first receiving element 102A maybe configured to permit polyaxial motion of an instrument relative tothe receiving element 102A and, thus, the connector 100. For example,the first receiving element 102A may include a generally sphericallyshaped surface 136 that defines a seat or engagement surface for theconnection element of the instrument, for example, the connectionelement 32 of the example instrument 10, described above. The instrument10, when connected to the first receiving element 102A of the connector100, may be moved in a plurality of directions, for example,perpendicular to, parallel to, and about the axis of the instrument 10,as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11.

The second receiving element 102B, in the example embodiment, may bedefined by a first arcuate surface 140A provided on the first arm 104and a second arcuate surface 140B provided on the second arm 106. Thefirst arcuate surface 140A may be spaced apart from the second arcuatesurface 140B when the connector 100 is in the open position, asillustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, to facilitate positioning of an instrumentwithin the second receiving element 102B. When the connector 100 is inthe closed position, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the firstarcuate surface 140A and the second arcuate surface 140B are spacedapart a distance sufficient to retain the instrument within the secondreceiving element 102B. The second receiving element 102B, like thefirst receiving element 102A, may be configured to permit polyaxialmotion of an instrument relative to the receiving element 102B and,thus, the connector 100. For example, the first arcuate surface 140A andthe second arcuate surface 140B may each have a partially sphericallyshaped surface 142A, 142B that cooperatively define a seat or engagementsurface for the connection element of the instrument, for example, theconnection element 32 of the example instrument 10, described above. Theinstrument 10, when connected to the second receiving element 102B ofthe connector 100, may be moved in a plurality of directions, forexample, perpendicular to, parallel to, and about the axis of theinstrument 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11.

While the example embodiment of the connector 100 is described andillustrated as having two receiving elements, the number and type (i.e.,fixed or adjustable) of receiving elements may be varied to accommodatethe number of instruments desired to be connected. For example, theexample connector 100, illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, includes threereceiving elements—a fixed receiving element and two adjustablereceiving elements.

The example instrument 10 may be employed to manipulate a bone anchorand the vertebra in which the bone anchor is implanted. In one examplemethod of manipulating a vertebra, the instrument 10 may be coupled tothe receiving member or other portion of a bone anchor. Referring toFIG. 12, for example, a first instrument 10A may be coupled to thereceiving member 40 of a bone anchor 19.

In the example method, a spinal construct including a plurality of boneanchors implanted in a plurality of vertebra and a spinal rod connectingthe bone anchors may be positioned in advance of using the firstinstrument to manipulate a vertebra. For example, a first bone anchor19A may be connected to a first vertebra VB1, a second bone anchor 19Bmay be connected to a second vertebra VB2, a third bone anchor 19C maybe connected to a third vertebra VB3, and a fourth vertebra 18D may beconnected to a fourth vertebra VB4. In the example method, the first,second, third, and fourth vertebrae are adjacent one another. In otherexample methods, the bone anchors may be connected to non-adjacentvertebra to create the spinal construct. The bone anchors may beimplanted into any suitable portion of the vertebrae. In the examplemethod, for example, each bone anchor is implanted into a pedicle of thevertebra.

A spinal fixation element 20A may be positioned relative to the boneanchors. For example, the spinal fixation element may be positioned inor proximate to the receiving member 40 of each bone anchor 19.

In certain example embodiments, a second construct may be positioned onthe contra-lateral side of the spine from the first construct. In theexample method, a fifth bone anchor 19E is connected to the firstvertebra VB1 opposite the first bone anchor 19A, a sixth bone anchor 19Fis connected to the second vertebra VB2 opposite the second bone anchor19B, a seventh bone anchor 19F is connected to the third vertebra VB3opposite the third bone anchor 19C, and an eighth bone anchor 19G isconnected to the fourth vertebra VB4 opposite the fourth bone anchor19D. A second spinal fixation element 20B may be connected to the boneanchors 18E-G.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the constructs illustratedin the FIGS. are example constructs for facilitating the description ofthe use of the instruments and methods described herein. Otherconstructs employing the same or different bone anchors and fixationelements may be employed without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

After connecting the first instrument 10A, the first instrument 10A maybe manipulated to maneuver the second bone anchor 19B and the secondvertebra VB2 relative to the first vertebra VB1, third vertebra VB3, andthe fourth vertebra VB4. For example, the first instrument 10A may bemoved a direction about the axis A of the spine, as indicated by arrow Rin FIG. 12, to rotate the second vertebra VB2 about the axis A of thespine. Moreover, the instrument 10 may be used to maneuver the secondbone anchor 19B and the second vertebra VB2 in any direction.

In the example method, a second instrument 10B may be connected to thefifth bone anchor 19E, which is connected to the first vertebra VB1. Thesecond instrument 10B and the first instrument 10A may be manipulated tomaneuver the first vertebra VB1 and the second vertebra VB2 relative toone another. For example, the first instrument 10A may be rotated aboutthe axis A of the spine to rotate the second vertebra VB2 about thespine and the second instrument 10B may be rotated about the axis A ofthe spine to rotate the first vertebra VB1 about the axis A of thespine. The first instrument 10A and the second instrument 10B mayprovide counter-torque to one another to facilitate motion of the firstand second vertebrae. For example, the first instrument 10A and thesecond instrument 10B may be rotated in opposite directions about theaxis A of the spine to facilitate correction of the angular orientationof the second vertebra VB2 and the first vertebra VB1.

In the example method, a reduction element 18 may be inserted throughthe lumen 26 of the shaft 12 of the first instrument 10A to effectreduction or insertion of a closure mechanism 68 for the second boneanchor 19B.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate an example method for manipulating aplurality of vertebrae. In the example method, a first instrument 10Amay be connected to a bone anchor 19B connected to a second vertebra. Inaddition, a second instrument 10B may be connected to a bone anchor 19Econnected to a first vertebra and a third instrument 10C may beconnected to a bone anchor 19H connected to a fourth vertebra VB4. Thesecond and third instruments 10B, 10C may be connected by a connector,such as the connector 100 described above. After connecting the secondand third instruments 10B, 10C to the respective bone anchor, the firstreceiving element 102A may be adjusted relative to the second receivingelement 102B to facilitate connection of the second instrument 10B tothe first receiving element 102A and the third instrument 10C to thesecond receiving element 102B. The connector 100 may be moved tomanipulate the second instrument 10B and the third instrument 10C torotate the first vertebra VB1 and the fourth vertebra VB4 relative toone another. For example, the connector 100 may be rotated in adirection indicated by arrow R about the axis A to rotate the firstvertebra VB1 and the fourth vertebra VB2 about the axis A of the spineand relative to the second vertebra VB2 and the third vertebra VB3.Moreover, the first instrument 10A may be rotated in cooperation withthe connector 100 to rotate the second vertebra VB2 about the axis A ofthe spine. The connector 100, and the second instrument 10B and thirdinstrument 10C connected thereto, and the first instrument 10A mayprovide counter torque to one another. For example, the connector 100and the first instrument 10A may be rotated in opposite directions aboutthe axis A of the spine to facilitate correction of the angularorientation of the first vertebra VB1, the second vertebra VB2, and thefourth vertebra VB4.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example method for rotating a single vertebra byattaching instruments to bone anchor that inserted laterally into thesame vertebra. In the example method, a first instrument 10A may beconnected to a bone anchor 19A connected to a first vertebra VB1. Inaddition, a second instrument 10B may be connected to a bone anchor 19Econnected to the first vertebra VB1 laterally from bone anchor 19A. Thefirst and second instruments 10A and 10B may be connected by aconnector, such as the connector 100 described above. After connectingthe first and second instruments 10A, 10B to the respective bone anchor,the first receiving element 102A may be adjusted relative to the secondreceiving element 102B to facilitate connection of the first instrument10A to the first receiving element 102A and the second instrument 10B tothe second receiving element 102B. The connector 100 may be moved tomanipulate the first instrument 10A and the second instrument 10B torotate the first vertebra VB1. For example, the connector 100 may berotated in a direction indicated by arrow R about the axis A to rotatethe first vertebra VB1 about the axis A of the spine.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example method for manipulating a plurality ofvertebrae connected using multiple connectors. In the example method, afirst instrument 10A may be connected to a bone anchor 19E connected toa first vertebra VB1. In addition, a second instrument 10B may beconnected to a bone anchor 19F connected to a second vertebra VB2 and athird instrument 10C may be connected to a bone anchor 19G connected toa third vertebra VB3. The first and second instruments 10A, 10B may beconnected by a first connector 100A. The first receiving element 102A ofthe first connector 100A may be adjusted relative to the secondreceiving element 102B of the first connector 100A to facilitateconnection of the first instrument 10A to the first receiving element102A and the second instrument 10B to the second receiving element 102B.

The second and third instrument 10B, 10C may then be connected by asecond connector 100B. The first receiving element 102A′ of the secondconnector 100B may be adjusted relative to the second receiving element102B′ of the second connector 100B to facilitate connection of thesecond instrument 10B to the first receiving element 102A′ and the thirdinstrument 10C to the second receiving element 102B′. This in turnsconnects the third instrument 10C to the first instrument 10A as thesecond instrument 10B is connected to both the first connector 100A andthe second connector 100B. The connectors 100A and 100B may then bemoved to manipulate the first instrument 10A, second instrument 10B, andthe third instrument 10C to rotate the first vertebra VB1, secondvertebra VB2 and the third vertebra VB3 relative to one another.

While the instruments and methods of the present invention have beenparticularly shown and described with reference to the exampleembodiments thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understandthat various changes may be made in the form and details herein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Those ofordinary skill in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain manyequivalents to the example embodiments described specifically herein byusing no more than routine experimentation. Such equivalents areintended to be encompassed by the scope of the present invention and theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An instrument for manipulating and a bone anchorand a spinal fixation element offset from the bone anchor, theinstrument comprising: a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, anda lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end, one ormore fingers disposed at the distal end of the shaft configured toengage a spinal fixation element receiving member of a bone anchor anddefining a slot for receiving a spinal fixation element offset from thespinal fixation element receiving member; an outer sleeve disposed aboutthe shaft and configured to slide over the distal end of the shaftbetween a first position and a second position, when the outer sleeve isin the first position, the one or more fingers are unconstrained by theouter sleeve allowing the one or more fingers to receive the spinalfixation element in the slot and engage the spinal fixation elementreceiving member, when the outer sleeve is in the second position, theone or more fingers are constrained by the outer sleeve securing thespinal fixation element in the slot and the engagement of the spinalfixation element receiving member of the bone anchor by the one or morefingers to permit manipulation of the spinal fixation element and boneanchor by the instrument; and a reduction element configured to passthrough the lumen of the shaft and engage the offset spinal fixationelement to reduce the offset spinal fixation element into the spinalfixation element receiving member of the bone anchor.